Little Step No. 36
What to do:
Try this easy lunchbox frittata, instead of a sandwich.
Why this step works:
Many people struggle to get enough variety at lunchtime, and this is especially true if you regularly make packed lunches for work or school. It can be difficult to think of new ideas that are portable, nutritious, tasty and not too time-consuming to make.
With this in mind, here's an easy lunchbox frittata recipe that ticks all the above! If you’ve never made one before, don’t be put off by the complicated sounding name – it’s honestly really simple to make and needs only a few ingredients.
Easy lunchbox frittata (serves 4)
You will need:
2-3 slices good quality bacon
1 ½ tbsp olive oil
1 small onion finely chopped
350g new potatoes, cooked & quartered
55g frozen petit pois
6 free range eggs, lightly beaten
15g grated parmesan or cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper
Method:
Preheat the grill to high. Grill the bacon. Allow to cool. Cut into small pieces and set aside.
Heat the oil in a large oven-proof frying pan. Add the onion & saute gently for 5 mins, or until softened.
Add the cooked, quartered potatoes, cook for 5 mins. Keep stirring so they don’t stick to the pan. Add the bacon & peas. Spread the mixture evenly over the pan base.
Reheat the grill to high. Season the beaten eggs & pour carefully over the onion & bacon mixture. Cook over a moderate heat for 5-6 minutes, or until the eggs are just set and the base of the frittata is lightly golden brown.
Sprinkle the parmesan over the top of the frittata, place the pan under the grill and cook the top for 3 minutes, or until set and lightly golden. It will look and smell utterly delicious at this point!
Cut into sections. Serve the frittata warm or cold.
Good reasons to try this recipe:
It’s a great lunchtime alternative to a sandwich at any age, is delicious hot or cold, can be made in advance and is really portable.
Eggs contain the ingredients we need to make glutathione - the body’s master antioxidant.
Cooked potatoes left to cool feed friendly bacteria and this is a tasty way to add them into your diet.
You can make this recipe different every time, add fresh / dried herbs, leave out the bacon, mix & match any veg, or something else, there's no rules here. I didn't have any peas today and instead added sweetcorn, and leftover cauliflower & chopped up Brussels sprouts.
Helps to grow your health team. The meals you regularly make are a bit like a team, all working together to support your health. Like any great team it needs variety and to regularly nurture new talent.
Let me know if the frittata makes it on to your team x
*Frittata recipe adapted with thanks from After-school food by Love Food.